Available squad spaces are in short supply also. Imo it is easier to keep a smaller better quality group of players happy and more successful, than a larger group of less talented players. Dressing room happiness is critical to success.

Well, just for one example, Rabiot refused to be part of the World Cup reserves when he was told he wouldn't be in the squad, effectively ending his international career (at least under Deschamps) at a young age.

Meanwhile, Sané wasn't selected and yet has come back looking even better than last year for both club and country.

I'm just saying I don't think that just because we could get Rabiot on a free means he's worth it.

Well, just for one example, Rabiot refused to be part of the World Cup reserves when he was told he wouldn't be in the squad, effectively ending his international career (at least under Deschamps) at a young age.

Meanwhile, Sané wasn't selected and yet has come back looking even better than last year for both club and country.

I'm just saying I don't think that just because we could get Rabiot on a free means he's worth it.

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Plenty of players have fell out with there national team and gone to better things ****ana being one of them.

Makes perfect sense. A quality well rested player with a physical presence, ideally suited for the desperately needed CDM position, with plenty of UCL experience and that could be acquired in this window for a pittance. You want value in the market? Here it is!

With FDJ heading to Barcelona, this would surely be a deal that even Txiki could complete without drama. I suspect that we won’t be signing him, given that Pep has repeatedly ruled out any activity, but we should be all over this. The only potential stumbling block would be player wage and agent fee demands.